NO P LAY S EXCHANGED. 








A , r0 “ MAKE-UP/’ A practical guide for 

Amateurs, with Twenty-three Colored Illustrations. Price 60 cents. 


No. CCCXXXVIII. 

FRENCH’S MINOR DRAMA 






THE ACTING EDITION. 




FOR HALF A MILLION 


piap in <Onc 3£ct. 


\ 





BY 


CLARA HARRIET SHERWOOD. 


Copyright, 1891, by T. H. French. 


New York : 

T. H. FRENCH, 

Successor to Samuel French & Son, 
PUBLISHER, 

28 WEST 23d STREET. 


London: 

SAMUEL FRENCH, 

PUBLISHER, 

89, STRAND. 


^-A-IKlIE-TnP BO^l. 

Containing Rouge, Pearl Powder, Whiting, Mongolian, Ruddy Rouge, Yiolet Powder, 
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Camel Hair Brushes, Hare’s Foot, Wool, Craped Hair, Cold Cream, Joining Paste, Min- 
iatuv' Puffs, Scissors and Looking Glass; packed neatly in Strong Fancy Card-board 
Boxen, $4.00; Elegant Tin Cases, $5.00. 

THE ABOVE ARTICLES T6 BE HAB SEPARATELY. FOR PRICES, SEE CATALOGUE, 


































With a. view to obviate the great difficulty experienced by Amateurs (particularly in 
country houses) in obtaining Scenery, &c., to fix in a Drawing Room, and then only 
by considerable outlay for hire and great damage caused to walls, we have decided to 
keep a series of Scenes, &c., colored on strong paper, which can be joined together 
or pasted on canvas or wood, according to requirement. Full directions, with dia¬ 
grams showing exact size of Back Scenes, Borders, and Wings, can be had free on 
application. The following four scenes consist each of thirty sheets of paper. 


GARDEN. 

The above is an illustration of this scene. It is kept in two sizes. The size of the 
back scene of the smaller one is 10 feet long and 6J£ feet high, and extends, with the 
wings and border, to 15 feet long and 8 feet high. The back scene of the large one 
is 13 feet long and 9 feet high, and extends, with the wings and border, to 20 feet 
long and 11% feet high. It is not necessary to have the scene the height of the room, 
as blue paper to represent sky is usually hung at the top. Small size, with Wings and 
Border complete, $7.50 ; large size, do., $10.00. 


■WOOD. 

This is similar in style to the above, only a wood scene is introduced in the centre. 
It is kept in two sizes, as the previous scene, and blue paper can be introduced as be* 
fore indicated. Small size, with Wings and Borders complete, $7.50 ; large size, do., 
$ 10 . 00 . 

FOLIAGE. —This is a sheet of paper on which foliage is drawn, which can be 
repeated and cut in any shape required. Small size, 30 in. by 20 in., 25 cts. per sheet; 
large »ize, 40 in. by 30 in., 35 cts. per sheet. 

TREE TRUNK. —This is to be used with the foliage sheets and placed at the 
bottom of the scene.—Price and size same as foliage. 


DRAWING ROOM. 

This scene is only kept in the large size. The back scene is 13 feet long and 9 feet 
high, and extends, with the wings and borders, to 20 feet long and W)4 feet high. 

In the centre is a French window, leading down to the ground, which could be made 
practicable if required. On the left wing is a fireplace with mirror above, and on the 
right wing is an oil painting. The whole scene is tastefully ornamented and beauti¬ 
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extra wings can be had, consisting of doors each side, which could be made practicable. 
Price, with Border and one set of Wings, $10.00; with Border and two sets of Wings, 
to form box scene, $12.50. 

COTTAGE INTERIOR. 

This is also kept in the large size only. In the centre is a door leading outside. On 
the left centre is a rustic fireplace, and the right centre is a window. On the wings are 
painted shelves, &c., to complete the scene. A box scene can bo made by purchasing 
extra wings, as before described, and forming doors on each side. Price, with Border 
and one set of Wings, $10.00 ; with Border and two sets of Wings, to form box scene 
$12.50. __ ’ 1 

The above Scenes, mounted, can be seen at 28 West 23d St., 

> New York. Full directions accompany each Scene. 


i 













































^ No. CCCXXXVIII. 

FRENCH’S MINOR DRAMA. 

THE ACTING EDITION. 




FOR HALF A MILLION 


31 $lap in <0nc 3Cct. 


/ 



CLARA HARRIET SHERWOOD. 


COPYRIGHT, 1891, BY T. H. FRENCH* 


New Yore:: 

T. H. FRENCH, 

Successor to Samuel French A Son, 
PUBLISHER, 

23 WEST 23d STREET. 


PUBLISHER, 

39, STRAND. 



t 

'L 

SAMUEL FRENCH, 


( \ ^\\ 



6 s's' 5 ” 7 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 

MISS MILDRED LAWTON. 

MISS JULIA JONES, Her Companion. 
MR. HARRINGTON STANLEY. 
FRANCES, The Maid. 


MODERN COSTUMES L 




FOR HALF A MILLION. 


SCENE.—Miss Lawton’s library. That young woman discovered in 
a dainty morning gown, seated at a table covered with papers. 
Her head is bowed on her hands, and her attitude portrays hope¬ 
less despondency. Miss Jones, her companion ( a woman several 
years her senior ), is busily arranging photographs and dusting 
cabinet. 

Miss Lawton. ( With tragic melancholy.') Julia, it lias comeat last! 

Miss Jones. What ? 

Miss Lawton. The long-expected blow has fallen at last, and you 
see me crushed, my youthful hopes blasted! my young life wrecked! 

Miss Jones. What on earth do you mean, Mildred? 

Miss Lawton. ( Holding up a letter.) It came this morning, Julia, 
and who would believe that an innocent looking envelope like that 
could contain a power that would absolutely obliterate my claim to half 
a million dollars ? ^ 

Miss Jones. ( Excitedly .) Mildred ! What are you driving at ? 
Don’t jest in that absurd way. 

Miss Lawton. (Springing suddenly to her feet.) Jest! Do you call 
that jesting ? This, Miss Jones, is a letter from—shall I say it ?—from 
my fiance, Mr. Harrington Stanley. Read it —and tell me how you 
envy the woman who is bound to such an unselfish, impulsive, disinter¬ 
ested, uncalculating individual! Ugh! See how much in love lie is, 
and how little inclined to be mercenary! 

Miss Jones. ( Tremblingly opening the sheets and reading.) “My 
dear Miss Lawton. 

Mildred. (Breaking in.) How romantic! How lover-like! How 
tender! 

Miss Jones. You wouldn’t have wished him to call you Mildred, 
would you ? 

Mildred. (Indignantly .) Of course not, Julia. He wouldn’t have 
dared. 

Julia. (Continuing.) “ As you are now of age, it becomes my duty in 
following out the wishes of my deceased father, and of your respected 
uncle, Mr. Lawton- 

Mildred. May he rest in peace, and may no knowledge of the life 
he has embittered penetrate his fanatical old skull! 

Julia. Mildred ! How can you speak so shockingly ! 

Mildred. Well, what business had he binding me to a man whom I 
shall always hate and detest. _ 

Julia. But you are not bound- 





4 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


Mildred. Oh, no! not bound—only a question of a paltry half a 
million dollars, which, to a person of my frugal tastes, can matter nothing. 

Julia. But I’m sure, dear, you’ve always managed to live comfort¬ 
ably on your income. 

Mildred. O, yes! I’ve managed to keep the wolf from the door. 
But go on— go on. 

Julia. {Continuing. ) “-It becomes my duty to make you an offer of 
marriage. 

Mildred. How clumsily he puts it. An offer of marriage! He 
must have been reading “ Sir Charles Grandison,” and I suppose I must 
say ( striking an attitude ), A-r-rise, Sir Knight; I cannot be your 
br-r-ride ! Leave me ! 

Julia. {Laughing) You are too absurd, Mildred. How can I read 
the letter when you keep on so ? 

Mildred. {Dropping into a chair) I am silenced. Proceed. 

Julia. {Mumbling) Offer of marriage, where was I ? {Aloud) 
O, yes. “ You will please allow me to remind you of a few clauses in 
the wills of your uncle and my father. 

“As you already know’, our marriage was decided upon by them while 
we were but children; and the sum of five hundred thousand dollars 
(the greater part of their amassed possessions), was set aside as a wed¬ 
ding gift. Except the small allowance of a few thousand yearly, we 
were left nothing. 

Mildred. - Absolutely nothing. 

Julia. {Continuing ) “ You doubtless remember that the will specifies 
that the one who refuses to comply, and thus breaks the marriage con¬ 
tract, must relinquish all claims to the aforesaid sum of money, which is 
then bequeathed unconditionally to the other. 

Mildred. {Starting up) Think of that, Julia! Of course, I must 
let him have it, for I can never, never marry him. 

Julia. Why not? He may be very nice. Didn’t you like him as a 
child ? 

Mildred. Oh, he was very different then, and w r e w r ere very fond of 
one another. But of course w r ere only children, and—but do finish the 
letter and judge for yourself. 

Julia. “ For the last two years I have been traveling in Germany and 
Switzerland for the sake of my health, and now I bust that I am strong 
enough to survive the long voyage that will bring me to you.” Great 
Heavens! Is he an invalid? 

Mildred. {Nodding) Fancy me—married to an invalid. “ Is 
your tea right, dear ? How does your toast suit you?” {I always did 
hate toast and tea) “ Can’t I warm this shawl for your feet, darling ? ” 
All for half a million. 

Julia. {Laughing .) Oh, Mildred, you could never bring yourself to 
it. But let me see what else he says. “ If I am spared I will be with 
you on the 17th or 18th. Although an invalid is of necessity most 
quiet and undemonstrative, I have no doubt that your fresh young face 
will please me, and that you wall be able to add greatly to my comfort 
and happiness. 

Respectfully yours, 

Harrington Stanley.” 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


5 


Mildred. Did you ever hear of such impudence ! Such unparalleled 
selfishness! Julia, I can never marry such a man, and I cannot bear 
the thought of letting him pocket that half a million. Oh, why was 
uncle Richard such an idiot ? Such an unconscionable old fossil! 

Julia. ( Thoughtfully .) It isn’t fair. Half of that money is yours by 
right. Don’t you suppose you could compromise, and divide ? 

Mildred. lie wouldn’t divide. He wants it all. Resides, “ It is 
not so nominated in the bond.” We couldn’t go against the will, you 
know. O, Julia, Julia , what shall I do ? 

Julia. {Her face half perplexed, half smiling.) Mildred, I have an 
idea. 

Mildred. {Affectingsurprise.) No— really? 

Julia. Yes—a wicked idea. 

Mildred. No, Julia, I might be seduced into believing that you had 
an idea ; but a wicked idea—never! 

Julia. But after all, it is fair. Yes, I think you would be perfectly 
justified. I’ll tell you what it is (in a confidential whisper). When he 
comes you must not act like yourself. Be fretful, disagreeable, unnat¬ 
ural, and perhaps he might refuse to marry you. 

Mildred. ( Catching Julia around the waist.) Jule, you angel! 
You veritable Jewel. What would I do without you ? 

Julia. What would /do without you ? 

Mildred. O, if you didn’t have me to advise and look after, you 
would probably astonish the world by some erudite treatise on Philoso¬ 
phy or Metaphysics. There is an immense amount of wisdom in that . 
little head of yours. Like Monte Cristo, “ The world is mine! ” like¬ 
wise the half a million, and wdth you, sweet girl, will I divide the 
spoils. 

Julia. Don’t be too certain, dear; for once your face and figure are 
against you. He may take you with all your foibles. 

Mildred. (Sta7-ting suddenly.) Julia! A plan is unfolding in my 
brain. I will disguise my face and figure. I will paint, powder, court 
plaster, etc. I will be gorgeous ! Let’s practise on it now. You must 
help me, Julia. Send Frances for some ribbons and sashes and things, 
and all my jewelry. We will have to buy some rouge. 

Julia. There is some here in this drawer, 1 think, left from the tab¬ 
leaux. 

Mildred. O! and a pencil for the eyebrows. How fortunate. 
Where is a looking glass? Qijlie gives her one). Thank you. Now you 
put it on for me. I am a novice in the art. Put it on thick, Julia. 
(Looking at herself while Julia plies the paint) There! that will 
do. Now black my eyebrows. O, don't put my eyes out. Give it to 
me, please (carefully blacking eyelids). There! (rising and making a 
flourish with her hands) do I look sufficiently like a—circus rider ? 

(Maid brings in sashes , ribbons , etc.) 

JULIA. Now this sash is just the thing. It is too atrocious with your 
gown. (Both laugh as she ties it on). 

Mildred. And this cape. It must be thrown on with a stagy air. 
So. Do you know, Julia, I believe I would make a splendid actress 


0 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


( stalking across the room). “ And what, fellow, is your business here ? 
Avaunt, villain ! never darken me doors again ! ” (Julia laughs heart¬ 
ily.) 

Mildred. ( Breaking off in the midst of a magnificent gesture.) But 
where are my jewels ? 

Julia. Here, you ridiculous creature. 

Mildred. ( Drawing herself up andflinging cape over her shoulder.) 
“ ‘ And this to me ? he said, an ’twere not for thy hoary beard ’ ” {both 
burst out laughing and Mildred drops into a chair). O, give me all 
the rings and pins you can find. I wish my ears were pierced, and I 
would hang these huge hoops in them. Julia, shall I pierce them ? 

Julia. No, silly; I believe you would put “a ring in the end of your 
nose,” like the pig in the wood, for the sake of scaring this poor 
invalid. 

Mildred. That would be almost like biting off my nose to spite my 
face, wouldn’t it ? But never mind. I will make up for it by putting 
this large cameo ring of uncle Richard’s on my thumb. 

Julia. {Laughing) O, that is too absurd. Put it on your first fin¬ 
ger. 

Milrded. No, I will put another on my first finger. Find me a big 
one for my middle finger. There! {Holding up her hand.) If this 
lily white hand, laden with precious stones, doesn’t charm him. Put 
some chains round my neck, Julia. You will never make your fortune 
as a lady’s maid. How do I look ? {Striking an attitude.) Charm- 
• ing? 


(Julia drops into a chair laughing.) 


How shall I greet him ? You stand over there, Julia, and act as much 
like a selfish, decrepid invalid as possible. 

Julia. ( Walks over to the spot designated , looks at Mildred, and 
bursts out laughing.) Oh, I can’t. You look too funny. {Falls into 
her chair again.) 

Mildred. Julia, it is very evident that you will never make your for¬ 
tune as an actress, either. I regret to say that your sphere is becoming 
extremely limited, Miss Jones. That chair will have to impersonate 
Mr. Harrington Stanley. {She catches zip a shawl and pins it around 
the chair.) He’s an invalid, you know. {Puts a hat on the back.) No, 
(taking it off again.) Hats off in the presence of ladies. ( Walking 
backwards and considering.) How shall I address him? {Suddenly 
advancing with outstretched hands , and a broad smile.) How d’ye do, 
Harrington; how are you ? Awfully glad to see you. Come back to 
marry me ? How’s that, Jule ? 

Julia. Oh ! That’s terrible, Mildred. I can’t bear to think of your 
acting that way. 

Mildred. ( Walking back to her starting place once more.) Well, 
how will this do ? ( Throwing her head back sentimentally , and wav¬ 

ing her arms before her.) Dearest Harrington, Welcome—welcome 
home. 

Julia. {Laughing still morel) That might prove irresistible, Mil¬ 
dred. 

Mildred. Well, you are hard to suit. Suppose I walk right up 


v 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


7 


to him like Mike, the stable boy, and say, Well, how air ye, Misther 
Harrington ? Will ye hev me, or won’t ye. Speak de wor-rd. 

Julia. Oh! You incorrigible. (Some one knocks at the door.) Julia 
goes. A card is handed ini) 

Mildred. Mr. Harrington Stanley! ( They stand looking at each 
other aghast .) 

Julia. ( Running to table and consulting letter .) He says 17th or 
18th; this is the 18th. I never thought of it. 

Mildred. Nor I. What shall I do. I can’t see him like this. 

Julia. But remember his letter. Do you want to marry him ? 
Mildred. {Gasping.) No—no. I will see him. I am just un¬ 
nerved for the moment. Stand by me, Julia; oh, what shall I say? 
How shall I act ? 

Julia. Wait a minute. Frances has put him in the parlor. I will 
peep in and see what he looks like. {She rushes out). 

Mildred. {Examining herself in the glass.) What a fright! I 
may scare him to death. Not a bad idea. {Smiles. Picks up letter 
and reads.) “ Your fresh young face will please me. {Looks in the 
glass and laughs.) “You maybe able to add greatly to my comfort 
and happiness.” Selfish, detestable old thing ! Nothing is too bad for 
him. I will deceive him, disgust him. My mind is made up. 

JULIA. {Entering breathlessly.) Oh, my dear, you cannot marry 
him. He looks as though he could make an angel miserable. 

Mildred. {Majestically.) Tell Frances to show him in here. Julia, 
I am playing a desperate game. For heaven’s sake, stand by me. 

[Enter Mr. Stanley, leaning on a cane and crutch, wearing blue 
goggles, and looking the picture of a consumptive .] 

MILDRED. {Advances boldly, hesitates, and then, with a forced 
laugh.) Why, Harrington, I’m glad to see you, though you have 
changed since we last met. Let me make you acquainted with my 
friend, Julia Jones. 

(Mr. Stanley essays to speak, but breaks into a fit of coughing, and 

only bows.) 

MILDRED, {Starting back, then with sudden resolution .) Gracious! 
What a cold you’ve got! But we’ll soon cure that. You mustn’t be so 
formal with Julia, for you’ll get to know her pretty well before long. 
She lives with me. But do sit down, Harrington, you must be awfully 
tired. Not in that chair. Oh ! 

(Mr. Stanley sits down in the chair that had impersonated him but a 
moment before , and both girls burst otit laughing .) 

Mr. S. May I inquire the cause of this extraordinary mirth? {Coughs 
violently.) 

Mildred. {Gasping out between her laughs.) He is sitting on him¬ 
self. 

Mr. S. {Looking solemnly from one to the other, aside.) Heavens ! 
I could never stand this. Such conduct I never heard of. {Aloud) 


8 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


Ah, well; ( coughs ) it is a great pleasure to know that there are ( coughs ) 
some in the world who enjoy life. {Coughs.') 

Mildred. {Controlling her laughter ‘with difficulty .) Don’t you 
enjoy life ? 

Mr. S. Life ? Can any one enjoy a life made up of many sleepless 
nights, and days of pain? {Coughs.) Days when the slightest sound 
jars on the ear like {coughs.) 

Mildred. {Flippantly.) Are you often affected in that way? I 
suppose you retire to some sequestered nook out of the noise and bustle 
of this busy world, as Shakespeare says—it was Shakespeare, wasn’t it, 
Jule ? (Julia goes off into silent convulsions behind Mr. Stanley.) 
She knows everything, Harrington, everything. 

Mr. S. Indeed? {Coughs.) When I am thus attacked, I require 
some one to rub my head or perchance, to fan me. {Coughs violently.) 
To be sure there are days when I can play my flute. {Coughs.) 

Mildred. {Aside.) Flute ! This is the last straw. 

Mr. S. We may be able to play some {coughs) some duets together. 

Mildred. {Making a grimace .) Yes. 

Mr. S. {Aside.) This is becoming decidely monotonous. I will 
come to the point. {Aloud.) Miss Lawton, I have taken this long 
journey to see you. All winter I have been in Carlsbad and Baden 
Baden for {coughs) for my health. 

Mildred. Feel that it agreed with you? 

Mr. S. Well {coughs) no, not exactly. The doctors are not over en¬ 
couraging. 

Mildred. Don’t think there’s any immediate danger, do they? 

Mr. S. {Aside, I wont let her thmk fll die soon. Aloud.) O dear, 
no. {Coughs.) I may die at any time, but will probably live to be 
eighty, and never be in better health than I am to-day. {Coughs.) 

Mildred. Gracious! You don’t say so! 

Mr. S. And, as you see, I am wearing glasses for—for my eyes. 
{Coughs.) Are your eyes good? I like to have some one read to me 
at night when I can’t sleep. {Coughs.) 

Mildred. Yes, my eyes are very well, thank you; but I don’t care 
much for reading—especially reading aloud. May be Julia’d do it for 
you. 

Mr. S. I should expect my wife {coughs.) 

Mildred. Wives don’t always come up to your expectations, you 
know. 

Mr. S. {Aside. Fll make one more desperate attempt .) Miss 
Lawton, I have come here, as you know, for the purpose of offering my¬ 
self—such as I am—to you. Think well before you bind yourself for 
life to me, who will require all your time and thought. {Coughs violently .) 

Mildred. I don’t mind sick people; I’m used to them. They don’t 
bother me a bit. I dare say I’d get used to your coughing before long. 

Mr. S. {Aside. Great Scott! How that girl has changed. I can’t 
stand this. I may as well give it up and have done. Aloud.) Miss 
Lawton {rising) I should feel criminally to blame, should I allow you 
to tie your blooming young life to one so worthless as mine. I refuse, 
for this reason, to marry you. The property therefore is yours. I wish 
you good morning. 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


9 


Mildred. {Stunned, but recalling herself.) But you must stay to 
dinner. I insist. I will not take -no for an answer. You are unable 
to go further. James, show Mr. Stanley to his room. 

Mr. S. {Bowing .) If you insist. [. Exit . 

Mildred. ( Wringing her hands and almost in tears.) Oh, what 
have I done ! what have I done ! 

Julia. Mildred, how could you be so heartless ? 

Mildred. Don’t speak to me like that, Julia Jones. Who put me 
up to it, I should like to know? O, Julia! Julia! I have been dis¬ 
honorable ! I have cheated that poor invalid! I have lowered myself 
to that level of a—a circus rider for half a million dollars ! And O, I 
don’t want the money ! I won’t take it. {Tearing off the chains from 
her neck , and the rings from her fingers.) Take these things away, 
Julia; throw them out of the window—anywhere! I never want to see 
them again. This ring won’t come off my thumb. Oh, dear, dear! 
Julia, why did you make me do it? 

Julia. Now you know I didn’t suppose you would act so- 

Mildred. Unmaidenly ! Say it. Unmaidenly. That’s what you 
mean. Don’t let any fear of hurting my feelings keep you from speak¬ 
ing freely, Miss Jones. ( Tearing off her sash and cap.) Throw these 
away, too. And {seeing herself in the mirror) for goodness sake, get me 
some water, and let me get off some of this abominable stuff. 

(Julia brings a bowl of water.) 

Mildred. {Rubbing her face vigorously.) I must see him {pauses 
and looks in the glass) and tell him—is it coming off, Julia?—that I will 
not take the money. I will tell him {rubs harder) how ashamed {dabs 
at her face), how r humiliated {dabs again), how detestable I am. Julia, 
this is never coming off, never / I knew you were putting it on too 
thick. 

Julia. But you told me to. 

Mildred. O, yes, blame everything on me, Julia. Don’t spare me. 
I deserve it all. 

Julia. {Embracing Mildred.) Now ? Mildred, dear, I wasn’t 
blaming you. I think you acted perfectly properly—that is—I—at 
least—well, he had no business waiting such a nasty letter. 

Mildred. {Embracing Julia.) Oh, Julia, you are too sweet for 
anything! Do you really think I wasn’t too horrible ? 

Julia. You could’t be horrible, if you tried, dear. 

Mildred. And you are lovely. But don’t you really think I had 
better confess ? I can’t let him have that impression of me. Besides, 
Julia, that half a million w'ould w r eigh on my mind till it drove me mad, 
and I would go wandering about at night crying “Out, damned spot!” 
{Rubbing her cheeks.) 

Julia. {Laughing.) If it is going to make such a Lady Macbeth of 
you, by all means confess before it is too late. And to tell the truth, 
Mildred, I felt awfully sorry for the poor fellow. He looked so shocked 
and disappointed. And he had come from so far, too. 

Mildred. O, there isn’t a minute to lose. Quick, Julia, dear, before 
my evil heart gets the better of my good resolution. Please tell Frances 
I wish to speak with Mr. Stanley immediately. 



10 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


Julia. Do you want me to stand by you ? 

Mildred. {With resignation.) No, I had best bear the blow alone. 

[Exit Julia, and enter Mr. Stanley unobserved .] 

Mildred. {Arranging her hair before the glass.) What shall I say 
to him. {Clasping her hands.) Mr. Stanley, I have come to apologize. 

( Turns toward the chair , which still holds the hat and shawl, and bursts 
out laughing.) O, how funny it was when he sat down on his own 
image. {Laughs again) But how cruel of me to laugh at the poor 
fellow, when he is so ill, and how unpardonably rude,'in my own house. 
{Pauses and sighs.) Well, Julia laughed too. And I believe almost 
any girl would have acted as I did, if she cotild —after such a hateful 
letter as he wrote. And it did seem too mean that he should get that 
half a million. But he must take it now. I will never touch it. But 
I supposed he was very different, from that letter, or 1 would never have 
done it. How nice he used to be. How could he change so in ten 
years? (Mr. Stanley, who has been listening intently removes his 
gogles.) What a pity that he is halt, maimed and blind. (Mr. Stan¬ 
ley puts his crutch against a chair, and stands erect.) But there 
is something I like about him in spite of his coughs and goggles. 
If he had a nice disposition, and didn’t play the Jlute {shrugs) the 
flute , of all things! Fancy, in the dead of night! {Plays an imag¬ 
inary flute, and hums “ The Last Pose of Summer.” (Mr. Stan¬ 
ley with difficulty restrains his laughter) But he is very well 
bred, and his manner of replying to my arrogance. Oh ! How I detest 
myself. I wonder if all that rouge is off. {Runs to the glass and rubs 
her face) Let me see. {Rubbing her face) Mr. Stanley, I assure 
you that never in my life have I committed a folly so sincerely regretted. 
Take back your fortune. All my life will be spent in repentance. The 
dye of sin is upon me {looks at her hands), and I am covered with con¬ 
fusion and rouge. {Pauses and smiles) O, I wish he had come and it 
was all over. How can I make him understand! ( Whirls around 

suddenly, and discovers Mr. Stanley without goggles or crutches. She 
starts back in blank amazement) 

Mr. S. {Advancing.) No explanation is necessary. 

Mildred. Where are your cr—crutches—your c—coughs, and your 
g—g°gg les ? 

Mr. S. Gone. A miraculous cure has been perfected in me. I en¬ 
tered this room blind, to some things at least, and a cripple; and now 
you behold me a well man. 

Mildred. {Stammeringly) And you—you—O, I see it all now. 
You have deceived me. You played the part of a miserable invalid in 
the hope that I would refuse you. How disappointed you must have 
been to lose that half a million. But let me set your mind at rest, Mr. 
Stanley. You have not lost the money. It is yours, / will never touch 
it. 

Mr. S. {Smiling) I fear you judge others by yourself, Miss Lawton. 
At any rate you misjudge me. I own I owe you an apology for that 
beastly letter, and for my subsequent conduct, as well. But let me ex¬ 
plain. All my life, though I have seen you but seldom, I have loved 
you, and looked upon you as my future wife, according to the dearest 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


11 


wish of my father. My aunt left me a fortune, which rendered me in¬ 
dependent. So you may know that, however contemptible my actions 
have been, it was from no mercenary motives that I disguised myself as 
I did. The truth is, I wanted to see what your real character was. 

Mildred. ( Sarcastically) I trust you were pleased with the result 
of your investigation. 

Mr. S. Oh, I know now, what a fool, what an idiot, I have been. I 
am not trying to justify myself. I am merely explaining. Ten years 
is a long time, and I didn’t know how you might have changed during 
that period. I wanted to know something about the woman with 
whom I hoped to spend the rest of my life—wanted to see whether you 
would accept me as I was—or pretended to be—for the sake of half a 
million. That is the truth of the matter, Of course, when I saw 
what you were- 

Mildred. {Still sarcastic .) When you saw what I was, you thought 
my “ fresh young face ” and “ blooming life ” entirely too “ fresh ” and 
“ blooming ” to be bound to yours. 

Mr. S. When I see what you are , Mildred, I can only beg you to 
forgive me. I can only say that I love you—love you more than I ever 
believed possible, and that the rest of my life will prove it, if- 

Mildred. Why, this is almost as sudden as your cure. 

Mr. S. Ah, no! It is but the completion of the thought of a life 
time. 

Mildred. (Hesitating.) But I hardly know you,—and you—you- 

Mr. S. No, I don’t play the flute. 

Mildred. (Confused.) Oh ! I didn’t mean that. 

Mr. S. (Smiling, and taking her hand.) And you won’t have to 
make toast and tea. 

Mildred. Who told you? 

Mr. S. (Laughing) So that really did trouble you. (Earnestly) 
But I would take such good care of you, dearest. 

Mildred. (Movingaway) No, I could never marry a man who had 
deceived me. 

Mr. S. But I could marry a woman , who had deceived me. 

Mildred. Could yowl 

Mr. S. If I might. I understand why you acted so. I might have 
known it, after that abominable letter. 

Mildred. I should think you could have told that I was playing a 
part. 

Mr. S. I should think you could have told that / was playing a part. 

Mildred. But / was so busy acting. 

Mr. S. And so was I. But that is all over now. It is no longer a 
question of half a million, for that is yours anyway. You know I love 
you, Mildred,—say that you are mine—say that you will marry me. 

Mildred. (Mischievously) For the sake of your father, or my 
uncle, this time ? 

Mr. S. For my sake, Mildred. Say you will, for my sake. (Pressing 
her hand) 

Msildred. Oh, I couldn’t. 

Mr. S. (Starting bach) Is this your final answer? 

MILDRED. Yes, and you will have to take the money. 





12 


FOR HALF A MILLION. 


Mr. S. No, I never will. 

Mildred. But—but that isn’t fair; half of it is yours. 

Mr. S. Nevertheless, if you refuse me, I shall not touch the money. 
Mildred. Then unless I—a—then I am—a—cheating you out of, 
let me see ( counts on her fingers) #250,000. 

Mr. S. ( With mock gravity!) Yes. 

Mildred. And your father — and — and my uncle — a wanted — a - 

Mr. S. ( Grasping both her hands!) Not half so much as I do, 
darling. 

[Enter Julia aghast , looking from one to the other.') 

JULIA. O, I beg your pardon ! 

Mildred. ( Snatching away her hands!) He’s been resuscitated, 
Julia. 

Mr. S. And she’s going to be- 

Mildred. Sh ! I didn’t say so, did I ? What would you do, Julia ? 
He isn’t an invalid, and wouldn’t be, for half a million. 





I 


PROSCENIUM AND DROP SCENE. 

3? f^ ptfTtjiT\rTTT*jVf n —A most effective Proscenium can b« 

formed by utilizing the paper made for this purpose. Three pieces of wood are merely 
required, shaped according to this design, and covered with the paper ; the proscenium 
having the appearance of light blue puffed satin panels, In gold frames, with Shake¬ 
speare medallion in the centre. 

Puffed satin paper, Light Blue, size 20 inches by CO inches, per sheet, 25 cts. 

Imitation Gold Bordering, per sheet, 25c., making 14 feet. 

Shakespearian Medallion, 18 inches in diameter, 50 cts. 

^fl TFn vr i*! .—The picture shown above is an illustnu 
tion of this Beene. It comprises four sheets of paper w T hich are to be pasted in the 
centre of any sized canvas that may be requisite for the drop curtain. Size 6% feet 
by 5 feet. Price §2.50. 

—These comprise three sheets of paper each, and can be 
had either for drawing-room or cottage purposes. Size, 7 feet by 3 feet. Price, com¬ 
plete, §1.25 each. 

tA/ —This is a parlor window formed with two sheets 

of paper, and could be made practicable to slide up and down. The introduction of 
curtains each side would make it very effective. Size, 8 feet by 4>£ feet. Price. 
§1.00, complete. 

■ v * 1-t TCTVrriTT WIUUO'W.-Consisting of four 
sheets of paper, representing a window containing four large ornamental frosted glass 
panes with colored glass around. Size feet high by 5 feet. Price §1.50. 

-pr-ra -garr^ TT ■ A This is also made with two sheets of paper. 

The fire is lighted', but should this not be required a fire-paper can be hung over it. It 
will be found most useful in many farces wherein a character has to climb up a chim¬ 
ney, and many plays where a fireplace is indispensable. By purchasing a door, win¬ 
dow, and fireplace an ordinary room scene could easily be constructed with the addi¬ 
tion of some wall-paper. Size, 3 feet by 4# feet. Price, complete, §1.25. 






































nsrE"W 


April Folly 
At Sixes and Sevens 
Bai’bara 
Baron’s Wager 
Betsy 
Bow Bells 
Breach of Promise 
Breaking the Ice 
Brothers (The) 

Bubbles 

By Special Request 
Case for Eviction 
Chalk and Cheese 
Charity 

Circumstances Alter Cases 
Confederate Spy 
Compromising Case 
Crazed 

Crossed Love 
Danicheffs 
Dimity’s Dilemma 
Dreams 

I Duchess of Bayswater & Co 
Duty 
Engaged 
Equals 
False Shame 
Fennel 
First Mate 

For the Old Love’s Sake 

Garden Party 

Garrick (Muskerry) 

George Geith 

Gentle Gertrude Buil 

Girl Graduate 

Girls (The) 

Glimpse of Paradise 


Gretchen 
Harvest Home 
His Own Guest 
Hook and Eye 
In Honor Bound 
Iron Master (The) 

Lady Fortune 

Linked by Love 

Long Odds 

Love Game 

Lyrical Lover 

Major and Minor 

Man Proposes (Grundy) 

Marble Arch 

Melting Moments 

Merry Meeting 

Mariner’s Return 

Miser 

Month After Date 
My Friend Jarlet 
My Little Girl 
My Lord in Livery 
Nearly Seven 
Nearly Severed 
Nettle 

Not Such a Fool, etc. 
Obliging His Landlady 
Off Duty 
Old Cronies 
On the Brink 
Once Again 
Once a Week 
Open Gate 
Overland Route 
Palmistry 
Petticoat Perfidy 
Pity * 


Playmates 
Prompter’s Box 
Postscript 
Progress 
Punch 

Ruined by Drink 
Railway Adventure 
Row in the House 
Sample vs. Pattern 
Saved 

Second Thoughts 
Senior Wrangles 
Sins of the Fathers 
Sixpenny Telegram 
Sour Grapes 
Spur of the Moment 
Steeple Jack 
Step Sister 
Sunny Side 
Sunset 
Sunshine 
Taken by Storm 
Tears; Idle Tears 
That Dreadful Doctor 
The Nightingale 
Thorough Base 
Through the Fire 
Tom Pinch 
True Colors 
Two Pros 
Which 

Why Women Weep 
Woman’s Wrongs 
Written in Sand 
Yellow Roses 
Yeoman’s Service 



G-UIDE TO SELECTING- PLAYS; 

Price 25 Cents. 

Showing how to select Farces, Comedies, Dramas, for Private or Publio 
Performance; giving the Number of Characters, the Author’s Name, the Scenery, 
Costumes, Time in Representation, and the Plot or Advice, connected with 
1,500 Pieces. 


FRENCH’S PARLOR COMEDIES. 

A new series of selected plays for Amateurs. Ten numbers. 

Price, 15 Cents each. 

Guide to Selecting Plays. Hints on Costume, Scenery to Fit any Stage. 
Jarley’s Wax Works, Ethiopian Plays, Charades, Amateur’s*Guide, 

Guide to tlte Stage. 

7 'JE'VV' O^.T^.XjOC 3 -XJE SENT FREE. 

T. H. FRENCH, 


28 West 23d St., New York. 














































































